Tips From The Pro: The Two Most Common Errors

It is always difficult during a match to determine what may have caused a mistake. However, it is extremely important to identify the cause so that you can make an adjustment and hit the shot better the next time.

At all levels of play, from beginner to professional, the two most common technique errors usually account for over 75% of a player's overall mistakes. The most common error on the tennis court is mishitting the shot is simply not hitting the ball in the center of the racquet.

Although there can be several different causes, not keeping your eye on the ball all the way through contact is the one that happens more than any other. Watch the best professionals and you will see an over exaggeration of focus on the point of contact-their head and eyes stay right where the racquet and ball meet even after the hit. The second most common error is hitting the ball late.

Again, there are several potential causes for this but the most common one is not recovering and not expecting the ball to come back every time, therefore, not being ready.

Keep these two main technique ideas: watch the ball all the way through the point of contact and always get ready for the ball to come back immediately after finishing your follow through. This will help you hit better shots and eliminate the majority of your mistakes.


Steve Annacone, USPTA Elite Pro, is the Director of Annacone Tennis (http://www.annaconetennis.com). For details on lessons and camps at Sag Harbor Park Tennis and throughout the Hamptons this summer contact sannacone@annaconetennis.com or management@annaconetennis.com

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March/April 2024 Digital Edition